Jeff Shafer

Jeffrey James Shafer was born on June 16, 1987, in Dallas, Texas to Joseph and Melinda Shafer and died on March 1, 2025, in Plano, Texas.

Since birth, Jeff and his brother, Richard, were fast friends sharing little boy fun and games as only close-in-age brothers can do.

Jeff began his academic career at Meadows Elementary in Plano where he was the recipient of a variety of awards: First place Science Fair, co-recipient of first place Odessey of the Mind, and the A. H. Meadows Award for Excellence. At Armstrong Middle School, he continued in the PACE gifted and talented program and officially began his music career playing euphonium/baritone in the band. A naturally gifted brass player, Jeff earned first-chair honors in the Plano All City Band as a seventh grader. Adding to his musical interests, Jeff also participated in the drama program in middle school and at Williams High School.

At Plano East Senior High, Jeff participated in the International Baccalaureate program. He continued with his band career as a proud member of both the Williams and Plano East band programs.

Following high school, he was accepted to University of Texas at Austin.

Always a lover of the outdoors and as an avid hiker and backpacker, Jeff was involved in Boy Scouts of America from the Cub Scout rank of Wolf with Pack 291 through high school graduation with Troop 1000. He achieved the rank of Eagle Scout in 2005. Jeff was happiest on a wooded hiking trail, in a kayak on a lake, or around a campfire.

He loved reading and learning new things; everything from different musical instruments to glass-blowing to anything tech-related. His creativity and technical ability were often apparent in the many inventions he designed and brought to life. He was a talented musician, composer, and lyricist, later focusing his musical talents on the guitar and keyboard instruments.

Jeff had a compassionate heart, especially for stray dogs and cats. He rescued and “temporarily” brought home (to his dog-loving family) Frankie, the cat. Thanks to Jeff, Frankie found a permanent home with his now cat-loving family.  Jeff’s compassionate nature extended to his family, friends, and strangers, and he will be sorely and deeply missed by all those who knew him.

Jeff was preceded in death by his father, Joe Shafer and is survived by his mother, Melinda Shafer, his brother, Richard Shafer, and numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at 10:00 a.m., Monday, March 24, 2025, at Allen Family Funeral Options. If you wish to view the service via webcast, please visit: https://webcast.funeralvue.com/events/viewer/110744

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Jeff’s name to Operation Kindness at: https://www.operationkindness.org/ or The American Cancer Society at: https://www.cancer.org/ or a charity of your choice.